Authorities in Negros Oriental are continuously exploring ways to solve the ongoing logistics concerns resulting from the load limit at the San Juanico Bridge, which connects the islands of Leyte and Samar.
Stakeholders from the private sector said they are eyeing the putting up of one or more additional ports in other parts of Negros Oriental as a long-term solution for the ongoing surge of cargo trucks passing through the province after being diverted from the 2.16-kilometer bridge.
Due to the deteriorating state of San Juanico Bridge, vehicles with a gross tonnage of more than three tons are being diverted.
Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Team (PNP-HPT) provincial chief PEMS Aurelio Bodo said at a press conference on Monday, May 26, that ongoing meetings with concerned agencies and other stakeholders have temporary solutions for now, such as allocating areas where cargo trucks may stay.
He said the repair of the San Juanico Bridge is expected to last for two to three years. Hence, the diversion of wing vans and huge delivery trucks to Negros Oriental en route to Mindanao from Luzon and vice versa would need better solutions.
Bodo said that 150 to 200 trucks are monitored along the national highway in Sibulan town and the diversion road. Movement is slow, depending on the arrival of their assigned sea vessels that would transport them to Mindanao.
“We cannot also penalize the drivers of these trucks as they are also victims of this unfortunate and unexpected event at San Juanico Bridge, despite them violating traffic laws such as parking along national highways,” Bodo said.
Some trucks stay at least four days here before they board a vessel at the Dumaguete port to Mindanao.
Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the truck drivers and their assistants are in a pitiful state, with perhaps very little allowance for food and other necessities.
“Many of them have not taken a shower in days, and we are also concerned with the safety of the trucks and the goods that they carry,” Du said.
Bodo said some business owners have offered the use of their private lots as temporary holding areas for these vehicles so the national highway and the streets in capital Dumaguete City could be rid of traffic hazards.
About two weeks ago, when the problem was first observed, Bodo said trucks were parked on both sides of the road, posing a threat to motorists.
A motorcycle rider died after he crashed into a 10-wheeler truck that was parked alongside the national highway in Tanjay City over the weekend.
While Bodo said the truck was not among those diverted to Negros Oriental, the same could happen to anyone.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has suggested the creation of a multi-agency task force, to include private stakeholders, to tackle and formulate a long-term plan for the influx of large trucks to Negros Oriental.
The Philippine Ports Authority is also expected to call for a meeting with the stakeholders to discuss the problem. (PNA)